Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and kick off the morning with a visit to Dongbaekseom Island, located off one end of Busan’s famous Haeundae Beach. Although the years of sedimentation have connected the island to the mainland, Dongbaekseom was originally an island and is still referred to as one. Next, depart to Gyeongju (90km/1 hour distance) and enjoy lunch upon arrival. Continue with a visit to Bulguksa Temple which is a representative relic of Buddhist culture from the Silla kingdom. The temple was built during the 15th year of King Beopheung’s reign (514-540). Unfortunately, the temple caught fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598), and after the war, the temple suffered serious damage and was often the target of theft. Starting in 1920, the temple has undergone continual restoration work, and now holds seven national treasures and several additional important heritages that were designated a World Cultural Heritage Site along with the nearby Seokguram Grotto by UNESCO in December 1995. Continue to visit Daereungwon Tomb Complex, this park has more than 20 large and small tombs from the Shilla period and has been designated a Historic site. The tombs are presumed to be those of kings and court officials, then proceed Gyeongju National Museum. Its holdings are largely devoted to relics of the Silla kingdom, of which Gyeongju was the capital. The last visit of the day is to Cheomseongdae Observatory, which is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (r. 632-647), it was used to observe stars to forecast the weather. After enjoying dinner, check into your hotel in Gyeongju for a night stay and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Included Activities
Dongbaekseom Island
Haeundae Beach
Bulguksa Temple
Seokguram Grotto
Daereungwon Tomb Complex
Gyeongju National Museum
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Included Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner